Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), Brazil's largest bauxite producer, has received an installation license from Brazil's environmental authority, clearing a major hurdle for its Novas Minas project. The initiative aims to extend mining operations in western Pará state until 2041.

MRN's shareholder base includes global mining giants Glencore, South32, and Rio Tinto PLC, whose financial backing ensures robust funding for the project. The license marks the completion of an environmental review process initiated in 2018, authorizing MRN to begin construction across five new mining areas spanning three municipalities.

Under the plan, MRN is expected to invest approximately 9 billion Brazilian reais between 2027 and 2041, targeting sustained annual bauxite production of 12.5 million metric tons. This effort aims to secure long-term, stable supply of high-grade bauxite to meet growing global demand for alumina and primary aluminum production.

MRN has been operating in Porto Trombetas since 1979 and currently maintains an annual production capacity of 18 million tons. As a leader in Brazil's bauxite sector, its project development is seen as crucial to ensuring the stability of the global aluminum supply chain. The newly granted license enables the company to continue expanding its mining operations in compliance with environmental regulations while meeting international demand for aluminum raw materials.